Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the latest minimally invasive procedure for patients with critical aortic stenosis. This option is giving new hope to patients who have been determined to be inoperable due to other co-existing medical conditions.

1. During the procedure, a replacement valve is crimped down to the approximate diameter of a pencil and then inserted via catheter into the femoral artery in the upper thigh.

2. Once delivered to the site of the patient’s diseased valve, the replacement device is expanded with a balloon and begins to work immediately.